Personally, I would choose to shop outside the park, there is a far greater selection there. Either the Pick 'n pay or Spar in Hazyview. In fact they are in the same mall so if one doesn't have what you want, try the other. I have found fresh veggies can be difficult to come by in the park shops on occasion, so perhaps get some tins for bad days (eg 3 bean salad is available in a tin, beetroot salad, baby potatoes etc) The Freezer section of the fridges is of average size, so if you bought your meat outside the park, you could keep the 1st 2 days meat in your fridge and put the rest in the freezer.I don't know if either of the above mentioned supermarkets have the facility to vacuum pack the meat, but if they do ,it is a good option as the meat will keep fresh for much longer- I always have my meat vacuum packed at my local butcher when I go to the park. Vacuum packed meat keeps longer in the fridge and freezes without freezer burn.

"In the end we conserve only that which we love, we love only that which we understand, we understand only that which we are taught" (Baba Dioum, Senegalese Ecologist)

When following the main road (N4) from the airport and you approach Malelane you will find a set of traffic lights. This is your first entry point in to Malelane and where you will again be re-entering the N4 to go to KNP Malelane gate.

Now at this traffic light you have two options:

1. On your right, just of the N4 is the local "Pick-n-Pay" supermarket. It is clearly visible. This is the smaller supermarket but will give you all the basics and more. So just turn right and directly left in to the parking area.

2. Spar. This is the bigger supermarket and offers an excellent variety of everything. Turn left at the traffic lights, and keep on going for approx. 500 meters. After crossing another set of traffic lights, you will clearly see the parking area and a large shopping complex on your left hand side.

After shopping you will return to the N4 and continue on your journey, leaving Malelane behind you. After a few kilometers at the top of a steady but gentle rise you will see the turn of to KNP Malelane gate.

Just another word of advice when buying boerewors . Boerewors needs to conform to certain minimum standards in order for it to be called BOEREWORS . Therefore , if the label does not state " boerewors " , but something like " braaiwors " or " oom Gertjie se lekker plaaswors " then it probably contains much more fat and bone and gristle than that allowed in genuine " boerewors " .

Tread softly , and let your departure not be spoiled by the damage of your arrival

As far as I can remember, there is a Spar, as well as superettes, in Thohoyandou, about 60km from Punda gate. Then, of course, there is the Park shop at Punda itself, with sometimes limited supplies though.

Hi James & KitjaWe fly to Kruger every year and do have the same problem, last year I e-mailed the Pick' n Pay in Malelane with my shopping list. Their service was excellent and not only did I get the best of what i ordered, but is was ready and packed end kept in cold storage. It took me 10 min to get my supplies for 7 people for 10 nights!

Staying at Orpen you will probably go through Orpen gate? Then 30 kms before the gate is Hoedspruit with one of the Best SPAR stores. We always stock up there and restock if we have to when staying at those Orpen area camps.

If you are coming in at Kruger gate much further south then Hazyview is good as Bert says but you must have good refrigeration in the car as it is 5 hours in lowveld heat to get there. Malalane stores are good as mentioned above but even further to drive than Hazyview.. Stick with Hoedspruit and you wont have to worry...

If you want to shop in Hoedspruit it is about 30 k's past the Orpen turn-off (coming from the south), but there is a relatively new P&Pay in Hoedspruit. (very nice shop).As you enter Hoedspruit from the south you will see a Total filling station on the left, immediately after opposite the Total filling station) turn right and right again into a shopping complex, the P & Pay is at the far end. Also a great Pizza place there, if you've got the munchies, on the left as you enter the complex.

Or for a wider choice, but a bit further from Numbi stop at Ilanga Mall as you get to Nelspruit. You will find a large Pick and Pay, a Game, and more. And then when you turn on to the R40 to White River and Hazyview you find Spar stores on the left of the road too. All with free parking. But you will still find all you actually need in Hazyview!

Smiling is contagious. Start an epidemic today!

Have you read the entrance permit? Do you KNOW the Conditions of Entry?

As suggested previously, the Riverside Mall is your best option for variety and decent prices. I have just recently moved to Nelspruit and have been doing my rounds at various shops to see which is better. Checkers in Riverside has everything you could possibly need, including a great wine section & there is a bottle store in the centre as well.

Their meat is very good and they even have BRM ribs - all the way from JHB factory. The best wood u can get is in the Kruger itself. Every camp sells it, even the bush camps.

Let me know if you need a cooler box & ice bricks. I have just started a hire service which could save you the unnecessary cost of buying one for the short period.